, florida, at age 78. >>> former president george h.w. bush released this statement. he says, "general schwarzkopf epitomized the duty, service, country creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises." >>> a spokesman for former president george h.w. bush says, quote, put the hearts back in the closet, yes. gene decker says his boss is sick, but his condition is not dire. the 41st president remains in intensive care in a houston hospital. he has been in the hospital since november 23rd. >>> in south africa, the granddaughters of nelson mandela say that he is alert and that he's doing well. the former south african president, he is back home after spending eight days in the hospital. >> it's important for people to remember that, you know, he is 95, after all. and that, you know, once in a while he needs, you know, medical care, medical attention. and you know, we're very grateful because, you know, he's surrounded by the best medical team, you know. he's very well taken care of, and he's very comfortable, and he's very happy.
